Dilation device

Abstract

A device for causing dilation of a tubular anatomy comprising; an active element comprising: a plurality of elongate flexible members, each having a first end and a second end; a first connector connected to the first ends of the strips; a second connector connected to the second ends of the strips; a compressor for causing one of the connectors to move towards the other connector thereby causing the elongate members to bow laterally.

1 . A device for causing dilation of a tubular anatomy comprising; 
 an active element comprising:    a plurality of elongate flexible members, each having a first end and a second end;    a first connector connected to the first ends of the strips;    a second connector connected to the second ends of the strips; a compressor for causing one of the connectors to move towards the other connector thereby causing the elongate members to bow laterally.    
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor exerts a constant pressure on the active element.  
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor exerts stepped pressure on the active element.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one stop for preventing over compression of the active element.  
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 4  comprising a plurality of stops.  
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5  wherein the stops comprise a plurality of grooves positioned along the length of the active element, and a moveable member in the form of a ring or disc.  
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising a screw thread extending along the length of the active element, and a moveable member moveable along the screw thread.  
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second connectors are substantially disc shaped.  
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the connectors is formed integrally with the elongate members.  
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of the connectors is formed separately from the elongate members.  
     
     
         11 . A device according  claim 1  wherein the first connector comprises at least one pressure sensor.  
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising a first sleeve associated with the active element, which sleeve is mechanically driven.  
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor comprises means for pulling one connector towards the other.  
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor comprises a wire connected to the distal end of the active element.  
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor comprises a screw.  
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor comprises a threaded elongate member associated with the elongate member.  
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the compressor comprises a PVDF strain sensor or strain gauge.  
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising an outer sleeve extending over the active element.  
     
     
         19 . A device according  claim 1  further comprising a cone formed at the distal end of the active element.